1 50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 Tel: (860) 233-9897 Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 to 3:00 or call for appointment USH-Enews ~ October 25, 2017 Worshipping Together Since 1830 Sunday Service 10:30 AM Revs. Cathy & Heather Rion Starr Image: http://brooke-johnson.blogspot.com Worship Service: Sunday, October 29, 207 ~ 10:30 AM ~ Facing our Fears, with help from Harry Potter" ~ Multi-Generational Service ~ Come in costume or as yourself for this multi-generational service to explore the role of fear in our lives. What are we afraid of? How do we respond to our own fear? Let us tap into our fears and our courage together, with wisdom and insight from Harry Potter, Book 1, Chapter 3.
2 Sunday October 29th worship service request: Calling all (stuffed) owls! ~ Do you have any stuffed animal owls (or other birds) at home that we could borrow for worship this Sunday October 29th? If so, please bring it into the office, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 10am and 3pm or on Sunday before or after service. Be sure to put your name on it so we can return it to you. We ll be using the owls and Harry Potter to explore fear during the October 29 Halloween eve multigenerational service. After the service at 11:30 there will be the Playground Blessing for our newly installed playground!
3 RE News You Can Use: Rayla D. Mattson, Director of Religious Education The 7th-9th grade OWL will meet again this Friday evening beginning at 6:00pm. Please let Rayla Mattson know if you still need to register your child. This Sunday, October 29, the nursery will be available for infants and toddlers from 10:15-11:45am for the morning worship service. There will also be extended childcare after the service for those 10 and under until 1:45am. Please join us this week for the pancake breakfast and buddy reveal! I know you are all anxiously waiting to find out who your secret buddy is. During the service this week, we will have an all ages Harry Potter themed day. Please come in your costume. It is sure to be fun. After the service we will gather out back to celebrate the new playground. Join us! Image: https://scifi.stackexchange.com. Donations will be brought to the Malta Food Pantry on Saturday, Nov. 11th. Please put food donations in the bins by the front/side doors or in classroom Ballou (next to the Chapel). Monetary donations can be made by designating Food Pantry on the memo line of your check or putting cash in an envelope with "food pantry" written on it. For a link to the Healthy Foods list click HERE. Any questions contact Diana Heymann: 860-461-0908. ~ Submitted by Diana Heymann Rayla D. Mattson ~ Director of Religious Education, Unitarian Society of Hartford 860-233-9897 ext 104 dre@ushartford.com ~ I only check my email on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. E-News Contributors Please Take Note: The deadline for USH E-News submissions is Tuesday at 12 Noon. Please include the dates that the submission should be included in the 'Subject' field. In This Week's Enews: RE News You Can Use The USH Auction is Back! 40th Annual Festival of the Season: Volunteers Needed Sunday Service Recap
4 Church Business News: Rentals Update Get Involved at USH: Many Ways to Volunteer 2017 Programs for Adults and Families Fall Small Group Ministries Circle Dinners Meeting House Presents: Sam Moffett Quartet this Friday: 10-27! Upcoming Events and Other News at USH: Hartford Stage! Thanksgiving at Unitarian Universalist Church on Fern Street Upcoming Events & News in the Larger Community Missed Last Week's Enews? Click Below: http://www.ushartford.com/nourishing-spirit/newsletters/ See Articles and News for USH and the Surrounding Area you may have missed or find a link to the USH Facebook Page Here. Please consult our Online Calendar regularly for all upcoming events at the Unitarian Society of Hartford: www.ushartford.com/events/ To submit a Calendar Request go HERE. Contacts: http://www.ushartford.com/about-us/staff/ The USH Auction is Back! -The Stewardship Committee: Stephanie Briggs, Carolyn Carlson, Kate Gervais, Virginia Hedrick, Laurie Kelliher, Rev. Cathy Rion Starr
5 Sunday Service Recap by Kayla Costenoble October 22, 2017 Re-Encountering Anne Frank Rev. Heather Rion Starr, Co-Minister Photos: Harriet Gardner
6 There was some irony in Sunday s service, as we remembered the tragic but inspiring life of 13-year-old Anne Frank, told in her remarkable diary recounting her two years of hiding, with her family, in a crowded, secret attic above a warehouse, to escape the Nazis. And there we were, on a bright, warm and beautiful day in Connecticut, where the colorful autumn leaves were at their peak. The family was found and captured three days after Anne s last diary entry, and everyone but her father died in the Bergen-Belson concentration camp. It was he who read Anne s diary and published it. In her sermon, Rev. Heather expressed a new appreciation for Anne, as we were reminded that 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of her diary being published. She said Anne s genuine heartfelt voice showed power in a time of terror and tragedy, and showed how to weather the day-in and day-out trauma of those days. Not having a sacred text can be a challenge for UUs, Rev. Heather said. Sacred texts can be great guides through troubled waters; books, articles, poems and mantras can serve this need. Rev. Heather said Anne s words serve as a sacred text for her, showing that we are all living on borrowed time. We all have chance, luck and opportunities during our journeys; it's a gift we ve received for living longer than we might have. Rev. Heather said. In a recent poem by UU Rev. Lynn Unger (titled October 4, 2017 ), she writes. I m tired of praying. I m tired of talking. I m tired of solutions that are never enough and never solving problems. I only have time for choirs, dancing, and trapezes. Quotes from Anne s diary seem as meaningful today as they were when she wrote them so many years ago. Here s one: It s difficult in times like this; ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality yet I cling to them [my ideals] because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart. And another: We re all alive but we don t know why There are many reasons to hope for happiness but we have to earn it. Words and music from our UU hymns, the Choir, and Sam Moffett, Director of Music Ministries, added (of course) to the day s message. In Hymn 153, we sang, Oh, I woke up this morning with my mind stayed with freedom. In Hymn 6, Just as long as I have breath, I must answer Yes to life; though with pain I made my way, still with hope I meet each day. The choir first sang Hymn 146 in Hebrew, then the congregation in English: Soon the day will arrive when we will be together, and no longer will we live in fear. Sam and his choir added some spirited and uplifting music. The lyrics in the choir s Everything s Alright urge Mary Magdalene to: Try not to get worried Try not to turn on to Problems that upset you
7 Don t you know everything s alright And in his unusual (for us) musical interlude, Sam introduced us to his saxophone with his mellow playing of I Remember You : When my life is through And the angels ask me to recall The thrill of it all Then I will remember you Note: Come hear more as the Sam Moffett Jazz Combo opens the Meeting House Presents series at 8 pm on Friday, October 27 in Fellowship Hall. Church Business News Board Minutes ~ The September Board Minutes have been posted online. Click HERE to view. Contact Office Administrator Linda Clark at ushlindaclark(at)gmail if you need the user name and password. Contribute to the USH Ministers' Discretionary Fund ~ The Unitarian Society of Hartford Ministers' Discretionary Fund is drawn upon by the Revs in response to the direct requests of members, friends, staff, and visitors to the congregation when they are in need of emergency support. A whole variety of events and requests have occurred lately that have depleted this important Fund. If you are able, would you consider a gift to the Discretionary Fund, knowing that it will be put to good use? Checks can be made out to Unitarian Society of Hartford with "Ministers' Discretionary Fund" in the memo line and mailed to USH or deposited in the Main Office safe box. Thank you so much for your generosity and concern for others connected to this congregation! ~ Rev. Heather Get Involved at USH Be Part of a Great Team! ~ Staff and lay leaders at USH are actively coordinating another lively year. We need your help to make this a spectacular year. Below are some areas where Volunteers are especially needed and welcome. The USH Sunday Welcome Team ~ Contact Linda Clark at ushlindaclark(at sign)gmail.com, phone the office at 860-233-9897, or talk to Brian Harvey if you are interested in being part of this wonderful group of volunteers. The Welcome Team makes USH outstanding in its open and friendly atmosphere, and helps newcomers find their way around our Meeting House.
8 Office Volunteers ~ If you are computer-comfortable and familiar with Microsoft Word, Gmail, and data entry, the office is in need of you. People to help with general office duties such as making copies, 'sweeping the pews' and refilling the welcome boxes are also welcome. Please let Linda Clark know if you're able to help out in the office during the week for an hour or two: ushlindaclark@gmail.com 860-233-9897 Pictured above: Phil and Harriet Gardner with their son Bruce, helping out with the Order of Service. Join The Choir ~ Director of Music Ministries, Sam Moffett, is excited to be working with the choir at USH this year. He would like to extend an invitation to all in the community who have thought about joining the choir, to come and sing! If you would like to join, or would like more info, please e-mail Sam at smoffett@ushartford.com. The Book Table During Coffee Hour ~ Everybody enjoys browsing through the books during coffee hour. In order to continue we are in need of some help setting them up and putting them away. Please contact Clara Horn if you are able to help out with this: clara.horn@comcast.net Religious Education ~ The DRE is very short-handed for teachers in our Pre-K3-2nd grade class and in our middle school class. We desperately need teachers and assistants. The commitment is 1-2 Sundays every 4-7 weeks. If you are interested, have any questions, or would like to see the curriculum, please let Rayla know: 860-233-9897 ext 104 dre@ushartford.com Programs for Adults and Families Sub-Council ~ The Programs for Adults and Families Sub-Council needs members to continue doing its work coordinating the programs many of us participate in and enjoy at the Meeting House. Please step up and help if you are able! For more information and/or to join this Sub-Council, please contact Council on Community Within Chair, Christopher Wilt at chris.wilt@gmail.com. -Submitted by Christopher Wilt
9 A Moment of Peace ~ Need a quiet place to empty your mind of tweets and rants and fake news and anything else upsetting your equilibrium? Visit the Labyrinth at the far, lower, end of the parking lot in the Knox Gardens. The colors are fading, but the herbs are still thriving and you are welcome to cut some to add to autumn soups rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, parsley, and more! There is a centering bell to spread hopeful energy every little bit helps! ~ Submitted by Susan Hope Programs 2017 Programs for Adults and Families ~ For more information on current programs click HERE to view the Adult Programs catalog. You can also pick up a printed catalog at the Welcome Table. Please check the online calendar often as schedules can change, or contact the facilitator for more information. Contact information for programs is listed below. Building (and Living) Your Own Theology: 12 Sessions, Tuesdays, 7:30 9:00 PM, start date September 12. (waiting list.) Contact: Tom Gervais: 860-558- 3000; tom.j.gervais@gmail.com Ballroom Dance: Thursdays, 6:00 7:45 PM, For questions contact Ron Friedman: 860-523-1105 or rsfriedman41@gmail.com. Tai Chi: Wednesdays, 5:30 7:00 PM. Contact Ginny Hedrick: 860-677-9272. Emei Qigong Cultivation: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5:00 6:00 PM. Contact Diana Heymann: 860-461-0908. Meditation and Dharma Gathering: Wednesdays, 5:45 7:00 PM. Any questions please contact Jan Bennett: chair2clinic@juno.com. Authentic Connection & Communication: An NVC Practice Group, Wednesdays, 7:15 9:15 PM. Any questions please contact Jan Bennett: chair2clinic@juno.com Meeting House Sing-A-Long - All Are Welcome: Meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month, in Emerson/Meditation room (or Memorial Garden if weather / memorial service permits), except December 2017 & June 2018. For more information contact Ed Savage: ed@thesavagees.com. USH Book Club: See below for details: USH Book Club: Next meeting Thursday, November 9 at 5:30 PM. Offsite at: 58 Hitchcock Lane, Avon. It would be helpful if you RSVP so we know how many to expect. For more information contact Richard Groothuis: rgroopofus@icloud.com. This Fight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save America s Middle Class- Elizabeth Warren
10 *The fiery U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and bestselling author offers a passionate, inspiring book about why our middle class is under siege and how we can win the fight to save it. Senator Elizabeth Warren has long been an outspoken champion of America s middle class, and by the time the people of Massachusetts elected her in 2012, she had become one of the country s leading progressive voices. Now, at a perilous moment for our nation, she has written a book that is at once an illuminating account of how we built the strongest middle class in history, a scathing indictment of those who have spent the past thirty-five years undermining working families, and a rousing call to action. Warren grew up in Oklahoma, and she s never forgotten how difficult it was for her mother and father to hold on at the ragged edge of the middle class. An educational system that offered opportunities for all made it possible for her to achieve her dream of going to college, becoming a teacher, and, later, attending law school... To read more click HERE. ~ Submitted by Richard Groothuis *From Amazon.com Small Group Ministries: What is Small Group Ministry? This is an opportunity to strengthen your connections with USH members and friends by sharing your life experiences with them in a covenant group. Watch for announcements of Small Group Ministry offerings in enews and during coffee hour after the service at the Programs Table in Fellowship Hall. A trained facilitator will have special readings and questions to guide your sharing and deep listening experience. Contact Esther McKone for more information on Small Group Ministry, email: estmckone (at sign)aol.com, phone 860 677 6682. ~ Submitted by Esther McKone Circle Dinners ~ Circle Dinners give all the participants an opportunity to expand their social circles at USH and learn more about some of the interesting people who call USH their spiritual home. The dinners are scheduled to be held on the 2nd Saturday of every odd-numbered month. (still ahead: Nov 11, Jan 13, Mar 10 and May 12). The purpose of these Dinner Parties is to foster social camaraderie among new and more established members of USH. For participants, eight to ten adults randomly assigned in different groupings for each dinner. The host furnishes the entree, beverage and bread. Guests are assigned to bring appetizers, salad, side dish or dessert. Right now we are gauging the interest and demand for dinner locations. We would anticipate 2 to 3 locations for each date. Please let Chris Wilt know as soon as possible if you would be willing to host a dinner party at your home.
11 Registration: Participants can sign up for as many or as few dates as they wish. Registration can be done online, using the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/qkbizbqzzbwtlpqf3 The registration form contains a space for: 1) listing dietary restrictions, and 2) if you plan to bring your children. We will try to group families with kids together so that they have some playmates for the evening. We will discuss providing supervision for children where appropriate. You are not required to be a host in order to participate in this program. Questions: Contact Chris Wilt, 603-401- 5704. ~ Submitted by Brian Harvey Meeting House Presents! Meeting House Presents A concert series at the Unitarian Meeting House, 50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford. All events begin at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30). Tickets $20. $12 for students with ID. Children under 12 free with parent. Click HERE for Advance tickets. Proceeds benefit the Unitarian Society of Hartford. Click HERE to read more about upcoming events at USH. Click HERE to read the Blog. Contact Laura and Paul Cipriano (MeetingHousePresents@gmail.com or 860-298-9984) to contribute your ideas, volunteer time, pledge financial backing for the series, or find out more! Coming Up: Sam Moffett Quartet An evening of young jazzmen seen around New England and New York. Quartet members include Sam Moffett, Boston studio musician and composer; Mike Biagio Carabello on keyboard; and Brooklyn-based Matt Dwonszyk, who played Integrity N Music in September and the BRIC Arts Festival. Sam is also the USH Director of Music Ministries. Sam Moffett Saxophone Mike Carabello Keyboard Matt Dwonzyk Bass TBA Drums www.sammoffett.com
12 Other News of Our Community and Upcoming Special Events Update on Great Decisions ~ There are now have 5 people interested in Great Decisons in 2018. To get the minimum number to have a viable seminar, we need 10. Please indicate your interest ASAP to edsavage(at)ushartford.com. This year s topics are as follows: The waning of Pax Americana?, Russia s foreign policy; China and America: The New Geopolitical Equation; Media and foreign policy; Turkey: A partner in crisis; U.S. global engagement and the military; South Africa s fragile democracy; Global Health: progress and challenges. ~ Submitted by Ed Savage All Are Welcome to the Joint Universalist Church of West Hartford (UCWH) and Unitarian Society of Hartford (USH) Thanksgiving Meal You are all invited to Thanksgiving in Fiske Hall at the Fern Street Universalist Church, especially if family are not celebrating with you. We ask, if you are able, to bring a dish to share. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by contacting Rev. Cathy (541-390-7553), or signing up with Rev. Cathy on a Sunday. Time: 1:00 PM, Thanksgiving Day Where: UCWH, 433 Fern St, West Hartford, CT
13 Collaboration...in Community -- with the Hartford Stage! For the second year, USH will be collaborating with the Hartford Stage by focusing a service around an upcoming production at the Stage. This year that production will be Feeding the Dragon, written and performed by Sharon Washington, and directed by Maria Mileaf. Here's a synopsis of the play: "Sharon Washington plays nearly 20 characters in her own true story. A memory play about growing up in the custodial apartment of a Manhattan library, Feeding the Dragon examines how both the power of forgiveness and the lifelong love for the written word have helped her battle dragons of all forms." Feeding the Dragon will run from January 11 - February 4, 2018. Tickets are available at hartfordstage.org or by calling 860-527-5151. You can save 25% on performances January 11-17 with the code Dragon25. RevHeather will lead our service on Sunday, January 14, 2018, inspired by the production and by Sharon Washington's story. Join us in being rejuvenated by the artfulness and insight in our midst. For more about Feeding the Dragon and Sharon Washington, enjoy: http://www.sharonwashington.com/feeding-the-dragon-play/ Image: http://www.sharonwashington.com/feeding-the-dragon-play/ Weekly Reminders
14 Upcoming Special Events and News in the Larger Community The Muslim Coalition of Connecticut's 11th Annual Leadership Banquet. "Muslims in the Media: Reclaiming the Narrative" Where: Hartford Marriott Downtown (200 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103) When: 10/29/17, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Each year, the MCCT Leadership Banquet highlights individuals and organizations that have made a difference in the community by promoting shared values and understanding. This year the focus is on the portrayal of Muslims in the media, and those who strive to reclaim the distorted narrative. Click HERE for more information. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dean Obeidallah OUR AWARDEES: Unity Productions Foundation and Susan Campbell. Reserve Your Tickets Today! TICKET LINK. Individual tickets: $60.00 / Adult Table for 10: $550.00 / Student Table for 10: $450.00
15 Join Rev. Cathy at this event - and contact Rev. Cathy if you want to go but can t afford it, or would like to donate so someone else can go. Muslim Coalition of Connecticut: 11 Mountain Avenue, Suite #303, Bloomfield, CT. P: 860-242-1707; E: info@mcct.us Intimate Stories, Bravely Told ~ When Todd Farnsworth first heard the stories coming out of the Brookfield Institute s writing workshop for veterans, he was floored. Then he was energized. He and the veterans wanted more people to hear these stories. They started tossing out ideas of how to make this happen and, thanks to Farnsworth s work in community theater, a play was born. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10-11, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 12, 4 p.m., at Monson Memorial Hall. Tickets are available HERE. A special performance is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., at the Majestic Theatre in West Springfield. For more information about the Brookfield Institute click HERE. ~ Submitted by Valerie Klokow Love Beyond Belief: Practicing the Heart of Our Unitarian Universalist Faith with Rev. Dr. Thandeka. November 10-12, at The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn Thandeka, the Affect Theologian in Residence at Andover Newton Theological School, is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, congregational consultant, a Westar Institute Fellow, and formerly an Emmy award-winning television producer. She is the creator of the Love Beyond Belief initiative for UU congregations and the founder of Contemporary Affect Theology, which is designed to explain emotional development in religious settings and terms.
16 Polebridge Press will publish Thandeka s new book, Love Beyond Belief: The History of a Lost Emotion, in March 2018. Weekend Workshop: Part I: Building A Foundation For a Unitarian Universalist Theology Of Personal Experience. Part II: Creating a Common Vocabulary For a Unitarian Universalist Theology Of Personal Experience. Part III: Practicing A Unitarian Universalist Theology Of Personal Experience In Social Justice And Eco-Justice Work. More info here: https://uucgl.org/life-long-learning/community-courses/
17 You're invited to Yale Humanist Community's Sagan Day Celebration Sat., Nov. 11, 2017 7:30 PM -9:30 PM at The Grove 760 Chapel Street, New Haven. Come for the delicious desserts, coffee & wine, shop at the YHC Boutique, connect with Humanists from across Connecticut, and enjoy a special presentation from NYC filmmaker, Chris Johnson! Chris will present film clips and
18 discuss with attendees. His beautiful coffee table book and DVD will be available for purchase. Tickets $25. Purchase tickets through our website: https://yalehumanists.com/ Questions? Need more info.? Call: 203-900-7942 or Email: yalehumanists(at)gmail.com What We Sing is Who We Are Saturday 11/18, 10 AM-4 PM, All Souls New London 19 Jay St, New London, CT / 860-443- 0316 This workshop is for anyone who believes in the future of Unitarian Universalism, but will be especially appreciated by music directors, choir members, clergy, and anyone else who loves to sing. No experience necessary! CONGREGATIONAL SINGING WORKSHOP with Rev. Jason Shelton Vibrant congregational singing is a sure sign of a healthy, thriving church. Why? Because congregations that sing with vitality are congregations that know who and why they are. Revitalizing congregational singing is one of the best growth strategies available, and it s easier to do than you might think! Rev. Jason Shelton is an award-winning composer, arranger, conductor, singer, multi-instrumentalist, workshop and retreat leader. He served the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, for 19 years and he is now a freelance minister of music, working to grow our capacity to sing our UU faith. LOCATION: All Souls UU in New London, CT (Directions) Link for info & registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-we-sing-is-whowe-are-11182017-registration-38627217046 For Access to the Members Only Section on the Web Page: For the username and password for the Members Only section, please email Linda Clark at ushlindaclark@gmail.com. It's easy and if you're interested, please say so. To submit a Calendar Event Request cut and paste the text below into an email and send to: calendarchanges@ushartford.com. Please look at the calendar the day you email a request to make sure the space is available; this will help to avoid double booking rooms. Double check the calendar for your event 1 to 2 weeks prior to make sure it's correctly posted. Email any corrections to calendarchanges@ushartford.com. Please make sure you also coordinate with our Rentals Manager, Rayla Mattson, if this is a one-time-open-to-the-public event. Thank you! ~Linda Put in the Subject: 'Calendar' Event Title: Room:
19 Time: Date(s): Is This A Private Event? Contact Person: A Short Description: Cost: (if applicable) Is Childcare Provided?: (Note if childcare will be provided you must arrange it with the DRE.) USH Staff: http://www.ushartford.com/about-us/staff/ Rev. Heather Rion Starr, Co-Minister revheather@ushartford.com 541-390-6052 Rev. Cathy Rion Starr, Co-Minister revcathy@ushartford.com 541-390-7553 Rayla D. Mattson, Director of Religious Education and Rentals Manager dre@ushartford.com 860-233-9897 ext 104 Sam Moffett, Director of Music Ministries smoffett@ushartford.com 860-233-9897 x 108 Linda Clark, Office Administrator ushlindaclark@gmail.com 860-233-9897 x 100 Brian Mullen, Bookkeeper Office Hours by Appointment bmullen@ushartford.com The deadline for USH-Enews submissions is Tuesday at 12 Noon. Email to: ushenews@ushartford.com Please note in the subject line "USH-Enews." Thank you for your submission! Peace as we come to the close of the USH-Enews week. Be kind to others and to yourself. Our Unitarian Universalist Principles: The member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenant to affirm and promote: the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process, within our congregations and in society at large; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.